Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe, a quintessential beach bar right off the Santa Monica Pier is the best place to be for year round sunshine and beachside fun with a side of fish and chips.

When you're on the roof at the Penthouse in the Huntley, that's when you know you've really made it to the top in L.A.

With a prime location right on the Santa Monica Pier, this casual beach bar and grill is a top destination for fresh seafood and classic pub grub. Surfboards decorate the laid-back space, and live bands perform on the weekends.

Clover-colored, casual hangout that is often full of sports fans, this Irish tavern and gastro pub serves classic Irish favorites and traditional New England cuisine with California flair. Play darts or a round of pool with your friends, try the karaoke,

When you need a margarita, this local Mexican chain is the place to go. Happy hour food specials are just perfect for filling up before a night out and about.

Dark and divey, this hip hop hotspot has a tiny dance floor that gets packed with students, hipsters and the young-and-beautiful. Make your way through the crowd and get down to mainstream rap hits.

With a trendy vibe, low light and top-shelf cocktails, this lounge offers an intimate setting to savor the sophisticated bistro cuisine. Candles, chandeliers and a well-dressed crowd help to create an elegant atmosphere.

Featuring a primo rooftop deck with fire pits and spectacular views overlooking the coastline, this chilled-out lounge space is a hidden gem with fantastic cocktails – the perfect beginning to a night out.

With lovely and unique interior designing to surround your night of drinking and lounging, Bungalow will make you want to move in and never leave.

Live music is the focus of this neighborhood venue, which features performances seven nights a week. You'll also find burlesque dancing, trivia games, jazz nights and daily food specials.

Since 1931, this classic club has been a go-to nightlife spot for locals. Listen to live blues and rock music, watch burlesque dancers, and kick back with a cold one in a relaxed environment.

Cozy and dark, this no-frills bar is an unpretentious hangout with multiple personalities: sports bar, comedy club and karaoke lounge. Find happy hour deals seven days a week.

Chill out at this casual bar near the 3rd Street Promenade, which features one of the city's best selection of wine and craft beer, including 24 on tap. Play a game of Connect Four while you sample a flight of brews.

Kick back at this casual beachfront cafe and bar, which offers California-inspired cuisine and cocktails – along with fantastic views of the coast. While the daytime vibe is family friendly, evenings are perfect for getting started with a cold one and a

A lively brasserie in Santa Monica, The Misfit combines elegant French flair with an energetic atmosphere for a memorable dining experience

Peanut shells on the floor, red vinyl booths and a glowing neon sign make Chez Jay one of the most unique bars and restaurants in the city - and it's also a registered Santa Monica Landmark.

With 36 beers on tap, this bar and restaurant is a West Side beer paradise with dark wood decor, a masculine fee, and a creative menu of gourmet burgers and bar food.

Rick's Tavern on Main in Santa Monica is a casual, warmly inviting local bar featuring diverse American fare, craft beers, and a charming outdoor patio for dining

Located in the underground of The Victorian 1800s mansion, this intimate speakeasy lounge offers an excellent selection of cocktails and craft beer. Sip away under a chandelier, watch classic movies, or show up at night for live music and a packed house.

It's all about the cocktails at this fun beachside hangout. Sip a handcrafted masterpiece in the laid-back maritime setting, and mingle with a posh crowd of locals and party people.

Boasting one of the longest happy hours in Santa Monica (from 4 pm to 8 pm every day), this bar hosts live bands almost every night of the week – including the house band, The Old Fashioned, every Friday.